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2016 World Series: A Position-by-Position Breakdown of the Indians and Cubs

By Benno Martens

Oct 17, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Indians first baseman Mike Napoli (right) hits a solo home run in front of Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin (left) during the fourth inning in game three of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Indians first baseman Mike Napoli (right) hits a solo home run in front of Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin (left) during the fourth inning in game three of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Third Base

Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) throws to first base for an out during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) throws to first base for an out during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

The hot corner has the distinction of being the home of arguably the most valuable players during the regular season for the Indians and Cubs. One shudders to think where the Tribe would have been without the breakout season that Jose Ramirez has had, and Chicago’s Kris Bryant may well take home the NL MVP award in just his second year in the big leagues.

Ramirez began 2016 as Francona’s super-utilityman, getting time all over the diamond, and most notably in left field in the absence of Brantley. The 24-year old switch-hitter has also hit in every spot in the lineup one through nine throughout the season.

Having settled in as the everyday third baseman after the midseason release of Juan Uribe, Ramirez came out of nowhere to put up a .312/.363/.462 slash line with 46 doubles, 11 home runs, 76 RBIs, 22 steals, and an OPS+ of 112. He was also among the very best in the game at hitting with runners in scoring position, and particularly with two outs, becoming one of the more unlikely clutch run producers in the league.

Ramirez has been in a funk at the plate during the postseason, though, slashing just .222/.276/.259 with only one extra-base hit and a single run batted in. After a 5-for-10 effort against Boston in the ALDS, he had a mere one hit in 17 at-bats against Toronto. As much as Kipnis and Napoli, Cleveland desperately needs Ramirez to get going offensively if it hopes to keep up with the Cubs.

A big reason why that’s the case is Bryant, last year’s NL Rookie of the Year, who had a monster year at the plate. The 24-year old slashed .292/.385/.554 with 35 doubles, 39 longballs, 102 RBIs, and an impressive 149 OPS+. In addition to third base, Maddon also gave him time in the outfield, utilizing his athleticism.

Bryant has continued his torrid year in the postseason, sparking the Chicago offense from the No. 2 hole in the lineup with a .333/.409/.538 slash line, five doubles, a homer, and six RBIs. The San Diego State product has a hit in eight of the team’s ten games.

It’s hard to argue with a guy that put up an MVP-caliber season as Bryant did, but those outside of Cleveland would do well to appreciate what an integral part of the Tribe’s success Ramirez has been.

Advantage: Chicago

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